Our Volunteers

The Horticulture Volunteers first started in the Old Parliament House Rose Gardens in 2005, after the refurbished gardens were opened at the end of 2004. We are a group of 40 to 50 men and women from all walks of life. You will find a group of us in one garden or another on each day of the working week.

House of Representatives Garden: In the House of Representatives Garden, the Ladies Garden volunteer groups meet on Mondays and Fridays, and the Macarthur Garden volunteer group meets on Tuesdays.

Senate Garden: In the Senate Garden, the Broinowski Garden volunteer group meets on Wednesdays, and the Rex Hazelwood Garden volunteer group meets on Thursdays.

Working bees are held daily during the week in different sections of the Rose Gardens organised by the NCA. Anyone interested in joining one of the Horticulture Volunteer groups can apply to the Volunteer Programs Coordinator at the National Capital Authority.

https://www.nca.gov.au/about-the-NCA/who-we-are/volunteers

You do not need to be a member of the FOPHRG to volunteer, although this is encouraged, and a reduced membership fee is available.

(correct as of April 2025)

Our Stories

Here are some of the stories behind the roses funded by patrons of the Rose Patronage Campaign. (Stories originally published by the NCA in 2005).

Parliamentary Prayer Network Mary MacKillop Rose, Ladies Rose Garden

The Parliamentary Prayer Network represents thousands of Christians in all states and territories working to support our leaders with prayer. When the network lost its offices in Weston Creek during the 2003 bush fires it received many generous donations following a public appeal. The group sponsored a rose as a memorial to the group’s work, the generosity of the public and their determination to continue to be a symbol of life.
– text provided by Lynne Klemp

Robyn Bree, OAM Advocate for the Visually ImpairedFred Hollows Rose, Ladies Rose Garden

A strong advocate for the well-being of the visually impaired, Robyn worked tirelessly for the cause, being awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2002. Despite her own visual impairment she lives life to the fullest. A keen gardener, accomplished public speaker and passionate protector of the environment, her spirit and wonderful sense of humour are an inspiration to those around her.
– text provided by Helen Splet

Claude Crowe, OAM, Plantsman and Gardener’s Pleasure Rose, Ladies Rose Garden

Upon the outbreak of WWII Claude was heavily involved in operations to camouflage Sydney’s main buildings from aerial surveillance. In 1939 he moved to Berrima to operate a wartime program, to ensure that Australia had sufficient seed banks to maintain crops for food. As a foundation member of the Australian Nursery Association, Claude provided advice and assistance to the development of plantings around Canberra and established the Junior Farmers group in Moss Vale, which encouraged excellence in agriculture amongst young farmers. Claude was also actively involved in the scouting movement and was awarded the prestigious President’s Medal for his contribution to scouting by Sir Roden Cutler. In 1998, shortly before his death, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the Nursery Industry and the scouting movement.
– text provided by Florence Sofield